As students across New Mexico return to school, many families focus on preparing with supplies such as notebooks, backpacks, and lunchboxes. However, much of the infrastructure and materials that support education are linked to oil and gas products.
Many common school items—including backpacks made from nylon or polyester, pens and markers produced from petrochemicals, and even the adhesives in binders—are derived from petroleum-based materials. According to Missi Currier of the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association, "Without oil and gas, these everyday items would be harder to produce, more expensive, and often less durable. Alternatives exist, but they’re not yet scalable or affordable for the millions of students who rely on them."
Classrooms themselves depend on oil and gas for a variety of functions. Materials used in desks, chairs, whiteboards, flooring, lighting systems, HVAC units—all can be traced back to hydrocarbons or energy sourced from fossil fuels. These resources provide the infrastructure needed for safe and functional learning environments.
Transportation is another area where petroleum remains essential. Most school buses continue to operate on diesel fuel. Many teachers and parents also rely on gasoline-powered vehicles for their daily commutes. While electric transportation options are becoming available in some places, petroleum fuels are still necessary for reliable access to schools in areas with long distances or limited infrastructure.
The shift toward digital learning has increased demand for electronic devices such as tablets and laptops—devices that include petroleum-based components. Data centers that store educational content often run on electricity generated by natural gas.
Schools are significant energy consumers within communities. Oil and gas supply heat for buildings, power emergency systems, keep water hot in cafeterias and labs, and provide direct support to vocational programs like welding or automotive technology through specialized products.
The financial contribution of oil and gas companies is also notable in New Mexico. Taxes and royalties collected from the industry provided over $2.3 billion for state schools last year alone (https://www.nmoga.org/oil_and_gas_industry_delivers_record_2_3_billion_for_new_mexico_schools). These funds support public education at all levels—from elementary schools to universities—and help prepare future workers in various fields related to science and engineering.
Missi Currier stated: "The oil and gas industry is proud to produce the resources that help generations of students learn, grow, and succeed. Because when it comes to education, energy isn’t just part of the story—it’s foundational."
As families mark another back-to-school season in New Mexico, many aspects of modern education remain closely tied to traditional energy sources.
